Four Healthy Habits That Add 14 Years To Your Life

In a study involving more than 20,000 men and woman with an average 11 year follow-up evaluation, researchers were able to identify 4 healthy habits that can potentially add an average of 14 years to one's life. Put another way, those practicing the 4 healthy habits as compared to those not practicing any of the 4 healthy habits will live, on average, 14 years longer. The 4 healthy habits are (1) Don't smoke, or, quit smoking, (2) Eat 5 servings of fruit and vegetables daily, (3) Exercise, and (4) Drink in moderation. According to researcher findings, the most important healthy habit to practice was to stop smoking followed by eating 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily.

Be Happy... Be Healthy

New research indicates that those who lead a happier lifestyle also appear to be healthier. In a recent study of nearly 3,000 adults, British researchers found those who reported being happier had lower levels of the hormone cortisol, also known as the "stress" hormone. Since higher levels of cortisol increase blood pressure, lower immune function and can even increase adominal fat deposits, keeping cortisol levels low is optimal for ones health. Thus, those under psychological stress at work and at home will experience elevated cortisol levels which in turn can adversely affect their cardiovascular and immune health as well as contribute to obesity. Aside from exercising and eating right, it also appears leading an overall "happy" lifestyle is important for maintaining one's health.

Dieting Losing Its Popularity

A marketing research firm has found Americans are choosing to consume a more healthy, sustainable diet rather than opting for a temporary short-term diet that may not be sustainable over the long-term. According to findings, 29 percent of women and 19 percent of men are currently on diets. Ten years ago, the numbers were 35 percent and 23 percent, respectively. While 8 out of 10 dieters stated their goals were to both lose weight and improve health, approximately 7 out of 10 dieters stated improving their health was the primary reason they initiated dieting. If you plan on doing your body good, do what more and more others are doing - follow a sustainable healthy diet that can be maintained for the long-term.

Moderate Alcohol Consumption May Be Healthy

While it's clear that drinking alcohol during pregnancy, while driving a vehicle and while participating in many other activities is clearly unhealthy, moderate alcohol consumption in a responsible manner may provide a significant health benefit. According to Danish researchers, "the medical and scientific literature shows that moderate drinking (1–2 drinks/day for women and 2–4 drinks/day for men) is associated with a better life expectancy in the general population as well as in patients with established coronary heart disease." Other major studies have also found light to moderate alcohol consumption (1 to 2 drinks per day) can lower the risk of heart disease and certain cancers. In this study, researchers found non-drinkers had a 30 percent higher risk of heart disease compared to moderate drinkers, regardless of the amount of exercise they undertook. It should be noted, those with the lowest risk of dying from any cause were physically active, moderate drinkers while those at highest risk were physically inactive, heavy drinkers.